Quotes from Elbert Hubbard

Enthusiasm is the great hill-climber.

Every man is a damn fool for at least five minutes every day -- wisdom consists of not exceeding the limit.

Every man should have a college education in order to show him how little the thing is really worth.

Folks who never do any more than they are paid for, never get paid more than they do.

Genius is the ability to act rightly without precedent -- the power to do the right thing the first time.

Gossip is only the lack of a worthy memory.

He who has achieved success has worked well, laughed often and loved much.

He who influences the thought of his times influences the times that follow.

My father always used to say that when you die, if you've got five real friends, you've had a great life.

Optimism is a kind of heart stimulant--the digitalis of failure.

Religions are many and diverse, but reason and goodness are one.

The artist needs no religion beyond his work.

The idea that is not dangerous is not worthy of being called an idea at all.

The man who craves disciples and wants followers is always more or less of a charlatan. The man of genuine worth and insight wants to be himself; and he wants others to be themselves, also.

The man who is anybody and who does anything is surely going to be criticized, vilified, and misunderstood. That is part of the penalty for greatness, and every great man understands it; and understands, too, that it is no proof of greatness. The final proof of greatness lies in being able to endure continously without resentment.

The secret of success is this: there is no secret of success.

The teacher is one who makes two ideas grow where only one grew before.

The woman who cannot tell a lie in defense of her husband is unworthy of the name of wife.

There is something that is much more scarce, something finer far, something rarer than ability. It is the ability to recognize ability.

To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing and be nothing.

To know when to be generous and when to be firm -- this is wisdom.

A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.

God will not look you over for medals, degrees or diplomas but for scars.

Every man is a damn fool for at least five minutes every day; wisdom consists in not exceeding the limit.